Growing Tree Children's Center

From the Director:

Preschool is important! Studies have continued to find that children who attended good preschools are more likely to succeed as adults. They are more likely to graduate high school and get married and less likely to get arrested multiple times or becomw dependant on welfare. We have chosen to maintain a developmental approach because research continues to support it as the best practice for early education. We are building strong foundations for future learning.

One of the best features of a developmental approach is it gives the teachers freedom to continually assess the children's needs and interests and build on them.

We have many resources and the teachers have weekly planning time so the environment doesn't get stale.

"We believe that children grow and learn best in an environment which allows them to self-select activities based on their interests and developmental levels. Children are most able learners when they are encouraged to explore, experience and experiment with materials and equipment both indoors and outdoors, facilitating the understanding of themselves, their world and others in their world.
We believe the whole child must be nurtured through activities, materials and equipment that promote physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth. The atmosphere of the center makes learning, trying out new things and reaching toward individual potential a safe and pleasant thing to do.
Each child is enabled to work toward owning the feelings of:
"I am competent,' �I am worthwhile,' �I can do�' �I am willing to try"
Excerpted from the preschool's website

6:30 - 7:45 early arrivals have free play / eat breakfast
7:45 - 8:00 clean-up; sing songs
8:00 - 8:45 outside play; part-timers arrive
8:45 - 9:00 morning snack
9:00 - 10:30 inside enrichment activities include:
*group time/directed teaching - concept development
*pre-reading - books, games, conversation, listening
*pre-math - games, manipulatives, blocks
*creative arts - paint, markers, glue, collage
*science
*dramatic play
*music/movement
10:30 - 11:15 outdoor inrichment:
*large muscle development
*explatory play - water, sand, mud
*cooperative interaction
11:15 - 11:30 group time
11:30 - 12:00 lunch
12:00 - 2:00 nap
2:00 - 3:15 inside enrichment activities
3:15 - 3:30 afternoon snack
3:30 - 5:00 outdoor enrichment activities
5:00 - 5:45 Quiet indoor activities

We have parent bulletin boards and a quarterly newsletter. They give parenting tips, educational tips and some additional insight into our philosphy. We have 2 after-hours pot lucks each year where families can meet each other and the staff informally. We welcome families to share their traditions with their child's class, or join us for a regular day if their schedule permits.

Our staff is very expereinced! We feel that the most important thing is for you, the parent, to choose a Center that you are comfortable with and then trust us to help your child be comfortable. We understand how difficult this can be for both parent and child. We provide lots of TLC during the process.